Château de Malmaison
Former country home of Napoleon & Josephine, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life with stunning gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds
Château de Malmaison
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Former country home of Napoleon & Josephine, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life with stunning gardens.
"Beautiful Chateau with a lovely garden, much less crowded than Versailles."
Audio Guide is Key
Essential for understanding the history, as most labels are in French. :microphone:
Garden Picnic Break
Utilize the lunchtime closure (12:30-13:30) for a peaceful garden picnic. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Josephine's Private Apartments
Main Chateau Building
Step into the intimate world of Napoleon's first wife, with original furnishings and decor.
The Lush Gardens
Chateau Grounds
A peaceful oasis with cozy, well-cared-for greenery, perfect for a stroll or a quiet moment.
Napoleon's Crossing the Alps Painting
Main Chateau Building
See the original iconic painting that captures Napoleon's dramatic ascent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Navigating the Chateau
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Tickets for Chateau de Malmaison?
Audio Guide is Key
Essential for understanding the history, as most labels are in French. :microphone:
Garden Picnic Break
Utilize the lunchtime closure (12:30-13:30) for a peaceful garden picnic. :sandwich:
Musuems that close for lunch: do I have to leave the museum during lunch time?
Things to do near Le Vesinet/Saint Germain en Laye?
Early Bird Gets the Peace
Arrive first thing in the morning for a more serene experience. :sunrise:
Affordable Entry
Children are free, adults are €6.50. Parking is also easy and affordable. :euro:
Tips
from all over the internet
Audio Guide is Key
Essential for understanding the history, as most labels are in French. :microphone:
Garden Picnic Break
Utilize the lunchtime closure (12:30-13:30) for a peaceful garden picnic. :sandwich:
Early Bird Gets the Peace
Arrive first thing in the morning for a more serene experience. :sunrise:
Affordable Entry
Children are free, adults are €6.50. Parking is also easy and affordable. :euro:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Chateau de Malmaison for its intimate historical insights into Empress Josephine's life and its beautiful, serene gardens. While some note ongoing renovations and French-only interior descriptions, the affordable entry, easy parking, and peaceful atmosphere make it a highly recommended visit, especially when arriving early.
"Great view into history of Napoleons wife. The chateau has quite a bit of history. The gardens are lovely. Unfortunately when I went in August 2025 there were many facades covering the home so it was a bit dark. You need 90 minutes inside"
Christina Ernst
"Beautiful Chateau with a lovely garden. I wish we could have seen it all before the estate was portioned and sold. The exhibits were poignant and well done. The exterior was under renovation, but it was still easy to see how beautiful and peaceful this home would have been. Parking nearby was easy and affordable. Much less crowded than Versailles. The house closes for an hour around lunchtime, but you can walk the gardens until it reopens. Arrive first thing in the morning, and you will have the place mostly to yourself. The staff were very helpful and friendly."
Kelli Mayhew
"The gardens are so cozy, luscious, and well cared for. Enjoyed being there, it is like getting a hug from a garden. I used my bird app to identify the birds that were singing at the time. It came up with 8 types, including a parakeet! The Napoleon-related collection inside the house is ok too."
Darya Jackson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chateau de Malmaison is accessible by car, with affordable and easy parking nearby. Public transport options are also available, though less frequently mentioned by visitors.
Yes, there are at least two large, cheap car parks within a 5-minute walk of the chateau, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, for individuals, the park and castle are accessible without reservation. You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Children enter for free, and adult tickets are €6.50. Audio guides are included with the adult ticket.
The house is closed for an hour around lunchtime, typically from 12:30 to 13:30. The gardens, however, remain accessible during this period.
Absolutely! The gardens are open even when the house is closed for its lunch break, offering a lovely opportunity for a stroll or a picnic.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors suggest allocating about 90 minutes to 2 hours for a visit, allowing time to explore both the house and the gardens.
The majority of the interior descriptions are in French. It is highly recommended to use the provided audio guide, which is useful for non-French speakers.
Don't miss Napoleon's death mask, the bed Josephine died in, and the original Napoleon crossing the Alps painting.
While much less crowded than Versailles, it can get busy, especially in August. Arriving early or visiting during off-peak times is advised.
Yes, children are free to enter. The gardens offer a pleasant space for them to explore, and the historical artifacts can be engaging.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities within the chateau itself. However, visitors can enjoy al fresco lunches in the gardens, with some tables and chairs available.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful gardens, especially during the house's lunch closure.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, interior photography might be restricted. It's best to check on-site signage or ask staff. The gardens are excellent for photos.
The gardens offer picturesque settings with lush greenery and charming pathways. The exterior of the chateau, even with some renovation, provides a historic backdrop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Josephine's Life
The gardens are as much a highlight as the house itself. Josephine was an avid horticulturist, and the grounds were designed to be a botanical paradise. Today, they are a serene and beautifully maintained space, offering a peaceful escape. Walking through the lush greenery, you can almost imagine Josephine tending to her beloved roses and exotic plants. The gardens are particularly enjoyable during the house's lunch closure, providing a perfect spot for a leisurely picnic.
While the chateau holds immense historical significance, some visitors note that renovations may be ongoing, potentially affecting exterior views. However, this rarely detracts from the overall experience. The Napoleon-related collection inside, including his death mask and the bed Josephine died in, adds another layer of historical depth to the visit.
Practicalities for a Smooth Visit
When it comes to understanding the historical context, an audio guide is highly recommended. Many of the informational displays within the chateau are in French, and the audio guide provides valuable insights in English, enriching the visitor experience.
Ticket prices are very reasonable, with children entering for free and adults paying a modest fee. This makes it an accessible outing for families. Despite its historical importance, Malmaison is generally less crowded than more famous Parisian landmarks, offering a more relaxed atmosphere, especially if you arrive early in the day.
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